Cast-A-Light

Two years after the recession working people continue to struggle to pay the rent and put healthy food on the table. Food Banks Canada reports that the “need has broadened in the past four years to include those who might least expect to use a food bank.”

Photo: Liam and mom hold hands after visiting the Food Bank.

From working people and two-parent families to home and business owners, your neighbour could be using the food bank and you’d never know it.

Over 600 new clients register at the Kelowna Food bank per year, 40% are children.

One of them is Deanna. She arrived in Kelowna looking for a better future for her and her son Liam who is nearly five years old.

Deanna earned her office administration certificate and has several years of experience as a receptionist and administration assistant. “Times were tough in Prince George,” says Deanna, “so we used what little savings we had and moved.”

With office jobs in short supply, Deanna found part-time work as a barista at a coffee shop, earning minimum wage and no benefits.

After paying for childcare, rent, utilities and her monthly bus pass she has very little money left for food.

A co-worker suggested she call the Kelowna Food Bank. Deanna receives a monthly family food hamper and Liam gets his own Kids Snack Pack to take to pre-school. “The meat, dairy, eggs and produce help balance our diet,” she says. “Liam really likes the fruit snacks.”

Deanna is glad to be working, but feels that most people don’t realize how difficult it is to raise a child in Kelowna on minimum wage.

“I have always been a hard worker and provided for myself,” she says. “I plan to go back to school for more training. One day I want to manage an office, but right now I just need to care for Liam.”

Deanna and Liam need your help right now. Your donation means a better future for them both.